Is Hip Replacement Surgery Safe for My 90-Year-Old Mother?

My mother is 90 years old and has hip joint degeneration. The doctor has recommended a hip replacement?

My mother is 90 years old and has hip joint degeneration.
She visited the Songshan Air Force Hospital, where the doctor recommended a hip replacement.
I would like to know if it is suitable for her at such an advanced age.
Is there a risk that she might not be able to walk after the surgery? What are the potential side effects?

Mr. Pan, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/06/27

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

1.
Age is not a problem.
2.
Health status must be good, such as having mobility.
3.
Cardiopulmonary function should be adequate to withstand such surgery.
4.
After a successful surgery, normal walking ability can usually be restored.
5.
It is preferable to use minimally invasive techniques, as this allows for quicker recovery.

Reply Date: 2024/06/27

More Info

Hip replacement surgery can be a viable option for elderly patients, including those who are 90 years old, provided they are in reasonably good health. The decision to proceed with surgery should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's overall health, mobility, and the severity of their hip joint degeneration.

Safety and Suitability for Surgery
1. Age is Not the Sole Factor: While age can influence surgical outcomes, it is not the only determinant. Many elderly patients have successfully undergone hip replacement surgery. The key is to assess the patient's overall health status, including their ability to tolerate anesthesia and recover from surgery.

2. Health Assessment: Before proceeding with surgery, a thorough health assessment is necessary. This includes evaluating heart and lung function, as these factors significantly impact the patient's ability to undergo surgery. If your mother has existing health issues, such as heart disease or respiratory problems, these need to be managed before considering surgery.

3. Mobility and Functionality: If your mother is still able to walk and has a reasonable level of mobility, this is a positive indicator for surgery. The goal of hip replacement is to relieve pain and improve mobility, allowing patients to return to their daily activities.

Risks and Benefits
1. Benefits of Surgery: The primary benefit of hip replacement surgery is pain relief and improved function. Many patients experience significant improvements in their ability to walk and engage in daily activities post-surgery. The surgery can greatly enhance the quality of life, allowing for greater independence.

2. Risks Involved: As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. These can include:
- Infection: Although the risk is relatively low (around 1 in 1,000), it is a concern, especially in older patients. Proper wound care and monitoring for signs of infection post-surgery are essential.

- Blood Clots: There is a risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) following surgery. Preventative measures, such as blood thinners and early mobilization, are typically implemented.

- Anesthesia Risks: Older patients may have a higher risk of complications from anesthesia. An anesthesiologist will evaluate your mother to determine the safest approach for her specific situation.

3. Post-Surgery Mobility: Many patients are able to walk with the assistance of a walker or cane shortly after surgery. While there may be some initial limitations on movement, most patients can gradually return to normal activities within a few months. The use of minimally invasive techniques can also reduce recovery time and improve outcomes.

Conclusion
In conclusion, hip replacement surgery can be a safe and effective option for your 90-year-old mother, provided she is in good health and has a supportive medical team. It is crucial to have open discussions with her orthopedic surgeon and anesthesiologist to address any concerns and to ensure that all potential risks are managed effectively. The goal of the surgery is to enhance her quality of life, alleviate pain, and restore mobility, which can significantly improve her overall well-being.

Similar Q&A

Is Knee Replacement Surgery Safe for a 90-Year-Old with Hypertension?

My grandmother is 90 years old and has a history of hypertension. She has been experiencing chronic pain in her right knee, mostly managed with topical analgesics. Recently, due to the cold weather, the pain became so severe that she was unable to get out of bed. She was taken to...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
The decision to undergo surgery is not absolutely related to age; rather, the risks are more closely associated with the patient's overall health status and the type of surgery being considered. The correspondence does not specify the patient's diagnosis, but based on t...

Is Surgery Necessary for an 83-Year-Old with Hip Dislocation?

Hello, an 83-year-old elderly person has moderate dementia and has undergone hip joint surgery on both legs a total of three times. This time, she fell while trying to get out of bed and dislocated her left leg again. She claims that it doesn't hurt. Now, there is a dilemma ...

Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello Janet! I'm sorry, but your question is outside my area of expertise. I recommend that you consult an orthopedic specialist.

Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease: Surgery vs. Rehabilitation Options

Hello Dr. Chiu, My mother is 61 years old. About nine months ago, she sought treatment for hip pain, and the doctor diagnosed her with cartilage degeneration. Recently, she has started experiencing numbness in her legs for the past month, so surgery is being considered. When I ...

Dr. Qiu Yushu reply Neurosurgery
There are many causes of lower back pain. Please visit the outpatient clinic to determine the best treatment method. Thank you.

Why Is My Mother Still Using a Cane After Hip Replacement Surgery?

Doctor: Hello. My mother, who is 75 years old, fell and fractured her thigh bone last January. She had a steel rod inserted and then accidentally fell again while using the restroom in May. Ultimately, she underwent a total hip replacement in June, and it has now been a year and ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Typically, after joint replacement surgery, patients can walk without assistive devices within three to six months. If normal walking is not achieved after six months, it is important to suspect poor integration of the artificial joint with the bone or inadequate bone cell growth...